[ Han Inaya POV ]
It had been a week since that night everything changed.
I was finally back home, but the comfort of being here didn't erase the darkness that clung to me after that horrifying incident.
Grandma, Grandpa, and Eun Woo had been incredibly worried, and honestly, a little angry too.
They were right to be. I had made the reckless choice to go out that night without telling anyone... and it nearly destroyed me.
But what was done couldn't be undone.
No matter how much I wished it had never happened, I couldn't go back.
The fear, the pain it had carved a space deep inside me, dragging me into a dark corner I couldn't seem to escape.
I sat on my bed quietly after finishing my dinner, my mind heavy with thoughts I couldn't control.
The silence was suffocating.
Suddenly, a soft knock broke through the stillness, and then the door slid open.
My grandfather stepped in, holding a glass of something warm.
"I know you didn't sleep,"
he said gently, making his way over and placing the glass on the side table.
He sat down beside me, his presence calm and comforting, yet filled with unspoken emotion.
"I know it's tough... I can't even imagine what you've been through."
His voice carried a mixture of pain and anger, the fury of a protector who couldn't shield the one he loved.
"If I had been there... I would've killed that person without thinking twice."
His words made my heart clench.
It was the first time I had ever shared a moment like this with his so personal, so raw.
His wrinkled hand slowly reached up and ruffled my hair with such tenderness that my eyes burned with unshed tears.
He smiled at me, a soft, reassuring smile that broke through the walls I had been trying so hard to keep up.
"You're such a strong girl... my granddaughter."
The warmth in his voice made the tears fall. I looked down, ashamed of my weakness, but then I felt his trembling hand gently wipe the tears from my cheeks.
I looked back at him, his loving eyes locking with mine.
"No need to cry... You're stronger than you think. You're never alone, okay?"
I nodded silently, unable to form words.
My throat was dry, like something heavy was stuck in it, making it impossible to speak.
The pain of that night wasn't just mine anymore it had spread through my family.
The news of the incident had traveled faster than wildfire, and the whispers from society stung like poison.
People were cruel.
They didn't care about what I had gone through they just needed something to gossip about.
But what surprised me the most was how my family stood up for me, even in the face of cruel judgment.
I remembered overhearing my grandfather's fierce voice as he confronted those heartless people.
"One more word against my granddaughter, and my sword will answer every one of your questions!"
Now, as I looked at him sitting beside me, he smiled again one of those rare smiles that seemed to fix the chaos in my heart.
"Don't listen to anyone's words, my child. They're useless. They have nothing better to do than stick their noses into everyone else's business,"
he said, his hand gently stroking my hair.
I couldn't help but lean in, resting my head on his lap.
His presence felt like a shield one that could protect me from every fear, every judgment, every dark thought that haunted me.
"You don't need to worry about anything. You don't need to fear anyone or let their words affect you. Your grandfather is still alive, and I'll handle everything,"
he said firmly, making my heart swell with gratitude.
Tears welled up again, but this time they weren't from fear they were from love, from the overwhelming comfort of knowing I wasn't alone.
"Thank you so much, Grandpa... I can't even express how grateful I am to have you as my grandparent,"
I whispered, my voice breaking with emotion.
His hand paused, and then he chuckled softly.
"No need to thank me, my dear. A cheerful, cute granddaughter deserves grandparents like us, right?"
That made me giggle a sound I hadn't heard from myself in days.
And for the first time since that terrifying night, I felt... safe.
"Now come on, get up. I brought an energy drink for you!"
His voice was soft but playful, trying to lighten the mood.
I slowly sat up, wiping the last traces of tears from my cheeks, and looked at him. He picked up the glass from the side table and handed it to me with a gentle smile.
"Grandpa... it looks like tea,"
I said, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"No, it's not tea. It's an energy drink it's tasty, trust me. Just try it."
I hesitated for a second but finally took a sip. The moment the drink touched my tongue, my eyes widened in surprise.
"Wow... It's actually tasty!"
I said, the shock clear in my voice.
My grandfather's smile grew wider, clearly proud of himself.
"See? I told you. I still know a thing or two about good taste!"
We ended up chatting for a little while longer, his jokes filling the room with warmth I hadn't felt in days.
His playful teasing and light-hearted stories distracted me from the heaviness inside me, making me forget just for a little while everything that had happened.
Eventually, he stood up, patting my head one last time.
"Alright, my brave girl, time for me to head back to my room. You should get some rest too."
I nodded, feeling lighter than I had in days.
"Thank you, Grandpa... for everything."
He just smiled, giving me a final reassuring glance before leaving the room.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt the smallest spark of peace.
As soon as Grandpa left, I walked toward the window, unlocking it with slightly shaky hands.
A cool breeze rushed in, hitting my skin and sending a trail of goosebumps down my arms.
My hair flowed behind me like waves in the wind, and for a brief moment, I closed my eyes, allowing the night air to embrace me.
The silence of the night was comforting, yet unsettling.
I left the window open, letting the gentle breeze fill the room, and slowly made my way back to bed.
Lying down, I stared at the ceiling, but no matter how much I tried to clear my mind, the memories of that night refused to leave me.
The ache in my chest deepened as my eyes moistened.
Bloody bastards! How dare they?
How dare they touch me, make me feel this terrible?
I-I... I want to break their bones!
I hope they rot in hell! How dare they...
A lump formed in my throat as frustration and helplessness mixed inside me.
I hated this feeling.
I hated how weak I had felt in that moment.
I had always been a cheerful girl, someone who laughed easily, who found happiness in small things.
But there were certain wounds... certain moments that left scars so deep that even laughter couldn't heal them.
My grandfather's words had given me peace for a while, but this incident had left an impact so big that I wasn't sure if I would ever be the same again.
A part of me wanted to close my eyes and rest, to finally escape this restlessness, but another part of me... was scared.
What if...?
No. Nothing will happen.
I am home.
My grandparents are here.
Eunwoo is here. I am safe.
And now... if anyone dares to touch me again, I won't hesitate.
I will fight back.
I will make them regret even looking at me.
I will show them a hell they have never imagined, even in their worst nightmares!
I clenched my fists tightly, swallowing my emotions.
My eyes were still moist, but this time, there was no fear only resolve.
And then... as I finally closed my eyes, a face appeared in my mind.
Jeon Jungkook.
The man who had been there for me. The man who had saved me.
My eyes shot open immediately.
Why...?
A strange feeling settled in my chest. I hugged my pillow close, shaking my head, trying to push the thought away. But when I closed my eyes again, the image returned-this time, it wasn't just his face.
It was us.
Him holding me, comforting me, his warmth seeping into me, grounding me.
The way he had made me feel safe,
the way his voice had soothed my panic... it was all playing in my mind like a vivid memory, replaying itself over and over again.
This time, I didn't open my eyes.
I let myself imagine. I let myself feel.
My restless heart, which had been filled with turmoil, slowly began to calm.
I hugged my pillow even closer, and in my imagination, he was even nearer.
His embrace felt so real. So comforting.
The breeze from the open window gently brushed my hair, and for a split second, it felt like fingers softly caressing my head, like the way he had stroked my hair that night.
So soft.
So gentle.
I didn't know when sleep finally claimed me, but I surrendered to it, wrapped in the warmth of a dream that I never wanted to end.
.
.
.
.
.
The next morning, as I slowly opened my eyes, a strange feeling lingered within me.
Stretching my arms, I sat up in bed, letting my surroundings sink in before last night's thoughts came rushing back.
The memories of my imagination
the warmth, the comfort
flashed in my mind, and before I could control it, a soft heat rose to my cheeks.
What the hell was I doing?!
I buried my face in my hands, feeling embarrassed.
But at the same time... it wasn't bad, was it?
I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
He had helped me. He had saved me.
And maybe... just maybe, he wasn't as bad as I had thought.
I took a deep breath, feeling surprisingly light-hearted.
For the first time in days, my chest didn't feel as heavy.
A small smile crept onto my lips as I got out of bed and freshened up.
When I stepped into the main hall, everyone was already seated.
"Good morning,"
I greeted them softly.
They all turned to look at me, their eyes observing me carefully.
Their expressions softened, and I could see the relief on their faces.
They were happy.
happy that I was slowly coming back to myself.
We all had breakfast together, the warmth of the family filling the air.
It felt... peaceful. Familiar.
After finishing, I helped clean up before heading back to the main hall.
As I passed by a shelf, something caught my eye. A newspaper.
Wait... they have newspapers in this time?!
I picked it up, curiosity piqued.
But unlike the newspapers I was used to, this one was different.
It had no pictures, no fancy headlines-just pure information about recent events and the date.
Normally, I found newspapers boring, but this was something new.
Something intriguing.
I flipped through it, scanning various updates about the kingdom.
And then
My eyes landed on something bold.
THE GREAT HEAD GENERAL OF THE MILITARY, JEON JUNGKOOK, BRUTALLY PUNISHES THE ENEMIES!
I stilled.
What?
Heart pounding, I immediately started reading.
My eyes widened with every sentence.
It was about them.
The two men.
The ones who had murdered and tried to take advantage of me.
Jeon Jungkook... punished them.
Brutally.
Their fingers were cut off, they were thrown into boiling hot water, one was even set on fire while still alive.
A sharp gasp escaped my lips.
The man who had been so gentle with me, who had comforted me, was the same man who had done this?
I clutched the newspaper tightly, my mind reeling.
"I wish they rot in hell."
That was what I had said last night.
But he... he made them live through hell on earth.
Did he do it... because of me?
No. That's ridiculous. It was his duty as the general. That's all.
Right?
Still, I couldn't shake this strange feeling.
A feeling I couldn't quite name.
Jeon Jungkook was... something else.
And no matter how much I tried, I couldn't seem to make sense of him.
[ Jeon Jungkook's POV ]
A deep sigh escaped my lips as I dropped myself onto the bed.
It had been an exhausting day though that was nothing new for me.
The day had finally come to an end.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling heavily.
But then, another hiccup shook my chest.
Hiccup.
Again?
I frowned. I had been getting hiccups all day.
It was strange almost as if someone was thinking about me.
Tsk. Superstitions.
I shook my head, pushing the thought away.
I got up and headed toward the bathroom, stripping off my clothes before stepping into the cool water.
The refreshing sensation washed away some of my exhaustion, but my mind still felt restless.
After the bath, I wrapped a towel around my waist and stepped out, droplets of water trickling down my skin.
My damp hair clung to my forehead as I grabbed another towel, running it through my hair with one hand.
My muscles flexed with the movement, my toned abs reflecting under the dim lighting.
A week had passed since that incident.
Since her.
I had ordered my soldiers to strictly guard the kingdom.
I couldn't shake off this unsettling feeling, as if something big was about to happen.
At the same time, my workload had increased.
I had been planning a new training area for our soldiers, carefully selecting recruits from each family.
The location was set near the jungle
a vast area where they would not only train but also learn to fight in unpredictable terrains.
Jungle warfare was essential. If they couldn't survive there, they couldn't survive a battlefield.
Once I was dry, I changed into my nightwear, leaving my upper body bare
a habit I had grown used to.
I laid down, stretching my arms before adjusting the pillow beneath my head.
Yet, even after settling in, I couldn't relax.
For the past few days, sleep has been elusive.
Every time I tried to rest, I felt something poking into my back like an annoying lump beneath the covers. It was frustrating.
Urgh.
Can't a man sleep in peace?!
Growing more irritated, I sat up and threw my pillow aside, determined to find the source of the discomfort.
I lifted the blanket and moved my bedding around until my fingers brushed against something.
A claw clip.
I stilled.
What the hell?
A woman's accessory? In my room?
I picked it up, narrowing my eyes as I examined it closely.
And then, it hit me.
It's hers.
The memory flashed in my mind.
One week ago... when she had been in this very bed, trembling in fear.
After that incident.
I stared at the clip, my fingers tightening around it.
Slowly, I laid back down, adjusting the pillows.
My hand tucked under my head, while the other still clutched the small clip.
I looked at the claw clip carefully, turning it between my fingers.
Her picture flashed in my mind.
Han Inaya.
She was something else.
A sigh escaped me as I continued to stare at the small object.
For some reason, holding it made her presence feel closer. Why?
I shook my head.
I made the right decision by keeping my distance.
That day, when I turned away from her, it was for the best.
I shouldn't have comforted her.
For the first time in my life, I had allowed a woman to embrace me not once, not twice, but more than three times.
That wasn't me.
She was a distraction.
And distractions made soldiers weak.
I couldn't let that happen.
At first, I despised her for kicking me that day.
She dared to attack the Head General of the Military! I had planned to make her regret it, to turn her life into hell.
But after that night incident... something changed.
I didn't understand what it was, but I hated it.
Because I knew any sort of attachment leads to weakness.
I let out another sigh, feeling exhaustion take over.
My eyes fluttered shut as my grip on the claw clip loosened, letting it rest against my chest.
And just like that, sleep finally took me.
.
.
.
.
.
"P-please d-don't leave me..."
Her trembling voice reached my ears as she clung to me, burying her face in my chest.
I stood still for a moment before my arms moved on their own, wrapping around her.
"Shh... I'm here, butterfly."
I whispered, gently stroking her hair.
But suddenly someone pushed me away.
Everything disappeared.
The warmth of her embrace vanished.
I was left standing in complete darkness.
Then came the voices loud, sharp, and relentless.
"A man is meant to be stoic, not gentle!"
"You are a soldier! You can't be weak and let your guard down by hugging a woman!"
"Be a responsible soldier!"
"Is this how you will train your men?"
The words drilled into my skull, mocking me.
I clenched my fists, pressing my hands against my ears.
"SHUT UP!" I roared.
My eyes snapped open, my chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.
I looked around.
It was a dream.
A ridiculous dream.
I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. That girl... Han Inaya... she has started invading my dreams now?!
What the hell?!
I can't let this continue.
I am a responsible soldier. The Head General.
I am known for my cold, strict discipline.
Why the hell am I dreaming of hugging her?
I clenched my jaw, shaking my head in frustration.
As I moved, something small slipped from my hand and fell to the ground.
The claw clip.
My gaze locked onto it.
This girl...
I exhaled sharply, picked up the clip, and without another thought, placed it inside my study drawer.
Out of sight. Out of mind.
Or at least, that's what I told myself.
I stepped out of the barracks, my eyes immediately landing on my princess, my fearless panther.
The moment she spotted me, she let out a sound deep and strong, as if acknowledging my presence.
A small smirk played on my lips as I walked toward her, my hand reaching out to stroke her sleek, black mane.
"You look more energetic today. Anything special?"
I mused, knowing well that she couldn't respond in words.
But the way she moved her head, nudging against my touch, always made it seem like she understood me like she could read my thoughts through my body language.
Of course, she would.
She was intelligent. Fearless.
She shook her head slightly, enjoying the firm strokes of my hand along her mane.
"Let's go, my panther. We have a lot of work today."
I climbed onto her back, gripping the reins as she moved with the power and grace only she possessed.
Strong. Unmatched. Unstoppable.
Our destination?
The plaza.
I wanted to ensure that my soldiers were keeping everything under control.
The plaza was a place of trade, connections, and whispers.
Everything passed through there.
If anything suspicious was brewing, I needed to know.
More importantly, we needed materials for the training base near the forest.
The sooner we secured them, the sooner we could announce the selection of new soldiers.
As we approached the plaza, I slowed my panther down, my sharp gaze sweeping over the scene before I dismounted.
The moment my feet touched the ground, the atmosphere shifted.
People stiffened. Conversations halted.
And then they bowed.
I could feel their fear.
Respect yes, but mostly fear.
I wasn't surprised.
The news of my punishment had spread.
The way I had handled those
**spies - those traitors -** had sent a wave of terror through the kingdom.
I had seen fear in the eyes of many before, but this time, it felt like a wildfire had spread among them.
I scanned the crowd, searching for Taehyung.
He was in charge of the plaza.
He should have been here.
But I didn't see him.
Tch.
Maybe he was on the other side, handling matters there.
My eyes moved across the market
traders selling their goods, people going about their daily business.
The sun burned high in the sky, casting sharp shadows across the stone pathways.
One thing was clear.
These people gossiped. A lot.
I could feel it, the hushed whispers, the stolen glances.
But none of them dared to speak in front of me.
Cowards.
I moved further into the market, my sharp gaze scanning the area, when suddenly I bumped into someone.
An old woman.
The apples she had been carrying slipped from her grasp, scattering across the ground.
I didn't waste a second. Without looking at her, I immediately bent down to pick them up.
She did the same, her wrinkled hands moving swiftly to gather the fallen fruit.
"I apologize for bumping into you."
I stood up, handing her the apples only to freeze when I finally looked at her face.
It was her grandmother.
Inaya's grandmother.
Recognition flashed in her warm eyes as she looked up at me.
"Mr. Jeon?"
She seemed surprised but quickly smiled.
"Oh, it's totally fine. I should have been more aware of my surroundings."
I gave her a slight nod, placing the last apple into her bag.
"Thank you so much... for saving my granddaughter."
Her voice held genuine gratitude, but it was her next words that made me pause.
"I don't know how I will ever repay you."
I shook my head firmly.
"Grandma, it was my duty. No need for that."
I wasn't the type to entertain gratitude.
I did what needed to be done.
But her presence... the warmth in her tone... reminded me of my own grandparents people I had lost too soon.
She looked at me thoughtfully, then reached into her bag.
"Wait... at least let me give you this."
She pulled out a pendant a crystal rock, uniquely shaped and unlike anything I had seen before.
She took my hand, gently placing it in my palm.
I hesitated, my fingers tightening slightly around the pendant.
"Keep it,"
she insisted, shaking her head with a firm but kind expression.
"I give this to you with my heart."
Something about her words made my chest feel tight.
After a beat, I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips.
"If you have given it to me... then make me wear it with your own hands."
Her face brightened, a warm smile spreading across her lips.
She took the pendant from my palm, her wrinkled hands steady as she placed it around my neck.
Once it was secured, she looked at me, eyes twinkling.
"You look handsome,"
she said with a small chuckle.
I let out a short, amused breath, shaking my head slightly.
"Thank you for this... and sorry, but I need to go now."
I gave her a respectful bow before stepping back, watching as she smiled warmly before moving away.
I observed the pendant for a moment, my fingers tracing the smooth, cool surface of the crystal.
It was unlike anything I had seen before
unique, mysterious... yet oddly comforting.
Shaking my head slightly, I tucked it beneath my collar and moved forward.
My feet led me to a familiar shop a weaponry stall filled with small but deadly knives.
Despite being a high-ranking general with access to the royal armory, I always bought my small swords and daggers from this particular shop.
The royal blacksmiths may have their expertise, but this shop... this shop held a craftsmanship that suited my taste.
The shopkeeper immediately recognized me, his eyes widening before he quickly bowed in respect.
I gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment before shifting my gaze to the displayed weapons.
Rows of finely crafted blades gleamed under the sunlight razor-sharp, precise, and deadly.
I picked up one, testing its weight in my hand, appreciating the balance...
But then a faint voice.
Familiar.
My grip on the blade tightened as I instinctively looked up.
Across from the weaponry stall was a clothing and accessories shop.
The hanging fabrics and embroidered shawls partially blocked my view, but through the gaps, I could see someone standing there.
A girl.
Her hands moved expressively as she spoke to the shopkeeper bargaining.
Even from a distance, I could see her fingers tapping against the counter, her stance firm yet graceful.
My gaze flickered higher, catching glimpses of her face between the swaying garments only her nose and lips.
Cherry-colored lips.
I narrowed my eyes, feeling an odd pull in my chest.
For some reason, I wanted to move closer, to get a clearer view.
But just as I shifted slightly
A hand landed on my shoulder.
I turned my head slightly, my body still tense from the unexpected touch.
It was Taehyung.
His sharp eyes held amusement as he smirked, tilting his head toward the direction I had been looking.
"What are you staring at so intently?"
he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
I snapped my gaze away from the girl and turned back to the knives displayed before me, gripping a small dagger in my hand.
"Nothing."
My voice was calm, controlled.
Taehyung, however, wasn't convinced.
"Nothing?"
he repeated, crossing his arms.
"Since when does the great General Jeon Jungkook lose focus while buying weapons?"
I exhaled sharply through my nose, ignoring his teasing tone.
My fingers traced the cold steel edge of the dagger as I spoke, my voice steady.
"I wasn't losing focus. I just thought I heard something familiar."
Taehyung hummed thoughtfully, his gaze flickering back to the shop where the girl was still engaged in a heated bargain with the merchant.
"You mean that one?"
he asked, nodding toward the girl.
I didn't respond.
But my body betrayed me.
My fingers stiffened around the dagger's handle.
And my eyes they flickered toward her again.
The wind shifted at that exact moment, pushing aside the hanging fabrics that had blocked my view.
And then, I saw her.
Inaya.
Her hair, long and soft, cascaded down her back, catching the golden glow of the morning sun.
The light illuminated her delicate features her brows slightly furrowed in determination, her lips
(the same cherry-colored lips I had unconsciously noticed before)
moving swiftly as she haggled with the shopkeeper.
She looked... different.
Not the trembling girl who had clung to me that night.
Not the one who had buried her face into my chest, seeking comfort.
No.
This Inaya stood firm, confident.
There was no trace of fear in her stance, no hesitation in her voice.
I shouldn't have cared.
I shouldn't have felt anything seeing her like this.
And yet something about the sight made my grip tighten around the dagger in my hand.
My jaw clenched, my shoulders stiffened.
Taehyung, ever observant, noticed.
"What? Can't focus?"
he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.
My gaze snapped to him immediately.
"What!?"
I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I tried to mask the irritation creeping into my chest.
"I only looked because you told me to. It's nothing like that."
I shifted my gaze back to the dagger, trying to ignore the smug expression on his face.
But he wasn't done.
"Isn't she the same girl... the one who was in your room, in your arms-"
"Shut up!!"
My voice came out sharp, firm, laced with authority.
The shopkeeper flinched at my sudden outburst, momentarily pausing in his work.
I could feel the weight of several eyes turning toward us, the murmurs of nearby merchants and villagers growing faintly audible.
I clenched my jaw, my fingers gripping the dagger so tightly that my knuckles turned white.
I glared at Taehyung.
He wasn't my friend.
At this moment, he was my enemy.
Taehyung chuckled, the sound low and amused, as if he had just uncovered something far too entertaining to let go.
His smirk widened as he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
But that annoying glint in his eyes remained.
"Hit a nerve, did I?"
he mused, tilting his head slightly.
I clenched my jaw, refusing to take the bait.
My grip around the dagger tightened, the cool metal pressing against my palm.
I focused on the weapon in my hand, pretending he wasn't there.
But Taehyung was persistent.
The shopkeeper, sensing the tension in the air, awkwardly averted his gaze.
He busied himself by rearranging the displayed weapons, acting as if he hadn't overheard anything.
But Taehyung?
He wasn't done yet.
"Relax, General,"
he drawled, amusement dripping from his tone.
"It's just interesting, you know? You, of all people, getting distracted in the middle of the market over a woman."
His words grated against my nerves.
I exhaled sharply through my nose, the irritation creeping further into my chest.
Without another word, I placed the dagger back in its spot, my movements firm, controlled.
"I said it's nothing,"
I muttered, my voice calm but edged with finality.
"Drop it."
Taehyung raised his hands in a mock surrender, the smirk still playing on his lips.
"Sure, sure,"
he said, but his expression told a different story.
He wasn't convinced. Not even a little.
I refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
I refused to look back at the clothing stall.
And yet my mind betrayed me.
Inaya.
The name echoed in my thoughts, uninvited.
I had no reason to be thinking about her.
No reason at all.
And yet...
I was.
I shook my head. I can't be like this.
This isn't me.
I exhaled sharply, pushing away the strange emotions creeping into my mind. I had more important things to focus on.
When I turned back, Taehyung was still watching me.
His arms crossed, lips curved into a knowing smirk as if he were waiting for another reaction to fuel his endless teasing.
I rolled my eyes, frustration bubbling inside me.
"You have to be this annoying?"
I asked, glaring at him.
Taehyung grinned, completely unbothered.
"Because I love to annoy you."
He shrugged casually.
"Why do you always have to be so serious? We're not in the middle of a war. We don't have to be on guard all the time, General."
I ignored his words and turned to the shopkeeper instead.
"Pack these."
The old man hurried to wrap up my selected knives, his hands moving swiftly.
I then turned back to Taehyung and finally answered his ridiculous question.
"If I had the chance, I wouldn't hesitate to stab you with a knife right here."
But Taehyung? The idiot wasn't even fazed.
He simply chuckled, as if I had just said the most amusing thing.
"Calm down, man. If I say another word, you might actually explode like a volcano."
I scoffed.
"And you would be the cause of it. You and Inaya both. Always making me annoyed."
The second the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
I had just put Inaya and Taehyung in the same sentence.
The moment was over. Taehyung's smirk widened. His eyes gleamed with mischief, as if I had just handed him a golden opportunity to tease me for the rest of my life.
"Oho... again her name, I see-"
I cut him off before he could start his nonsense again.
"What were your observations in the plaza?"
His lips pressed together in mild irritation at the sudden change of topic, but I could tell he wasn't going to let this go so easily. Still, he sighed and started reporting.
As he spoke, I nodded along, pretending to be fully invested.
But my gaze?
It betrayed me.
From the corner of my eye, I found myself subtly glancing toward the clothing stall.
Was she still there?
For some reason, I wanted to know.
But she was gone.
My jaw tightened.
I told myself it was a relief.
That it was good she had left.
But deep down, in a place I refused to acknowledge...
There was something else.
A slight, almost imperceptible disappointment.
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